4-H Youth Development

Explore Our Program

Welcome to Maryland 4-H Youth Development!

Greetings from the State Program Leader!

I bring greetings on behalf of Maryland 4-H! Welcome to the Maryland 4-H website. Here, you will find information about our state 4-H center, how to connect with your local 4-H program, major program areas hosted throughout the state, and additional opportunities for youth and volunteers. 4-H is the largest youth development program in the nation with just over 6 million youth participating annually – over 51,000 of them are right here in Maryland. Here in Maryland, we are committed to growing an inclusive program where youth have opportunities to engage in STEM, Civic Engagement, Healthy Living and Agriculture through clubs, afterschool, camps, and more! Want to learn more?

Check out the section 'Get Involved' to learn about a program near you.
If you are a Maryland 4-H alumni, you can join our alumni group or support us on the Maryland 4-H Foundation page.
Read more about The Purpose and Promise of Maryland 4-H.
Please browse the website and enjoy! - Dr. Nia Imani Fields

Maryland 4-H COVID-19 Health and Safety: 4-H activities must continue to comply with any local school system directives related to COVID-19 health and safety protocols (physical distancing, masking, etc.).

Maryland 4-H

For Volunteers

Become a 4-H Volunteer today and help create life-changing experiences for youth in your community!
Get Involved

Getting involved with 4‑H is easy, and costs are kept to a minimum.
What is 4-H?

4-H is the largest youth development organization in the United States, with about 6 million participants and over 25 million alumni!

4-H Programs

Curricula

Curricula: Maryland 4-H offers at-home learning resources for youth focusing on science, healthy living, and civic engagement.
Animal Sciences

Youth in 4-H Animal Science projects learn and practice life skills with an emphasis on decision making, acquiring knowledge and taking personal responsibility through participation in 4-H animal science opportunities such as project animal care, judging and bowl events.
Environmental Sciences

Journey through fields, forests, wetlands and urban areas to discover the wonders and mysteries of Maryland’s natural environment. Through their 4-H environmental and outdoor education projects young people will learn about the interconnection of people and nature.
Healthy Living

Our programming empowers youth to be healthy – body and mind – with the skills to make healthy decisions and lead healthy lifestyles. Having the confidence and skills to lead healthy lifestyles not only improves overall well-being; it enables youth to tackle life’s challenges today and become leaders in their lives, careers and communities as they grow into responsible adulthood.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

4‑H STEM programs provide kids opportunities to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through hands-on projects.
Youth and Adult Leadership

"Leadership" is "a broad concept related to the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and aspirations utilized by one or more persons in influencing, motivating, inspiring and otherwise causing desired actions and reactions by others."
International Programs

Maryland 4-H has the unique opportunity to offer new and exciting programs to youth and families. Through this intercultural program, we are growing leaders, developing global perspectives, and engaging communities.
Military Programs

Maryland 4-H Military Projects are a statewide, outreach effort in which 4-H Professionals, military staff, and volunteers are implementing 4-H curricula into existing military programs.